The British brand’s Australian arm has cut $5000 off the price of the base Cooper, which will be available from $26,650 plus on-road costs.

Other models in the range have also been subject to discounts, with the Cooper D down by $3000 to $31,800 and the Cooper S trimmed by $3750 to $36,950.

The new Mini is much bigger than its predecessor, measuring 98 mm longer and 44 mm wider than the previous model.

It has a new look involving a large single piece grille framed by Mini’s trademark oval headlamps, but the biggest changes are reserved for a family of new engines under its skin.

Our first drive of the car in Puerto Rico suggested the base-model Cooper could be the pick of the litter.

Powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre three cylinder engine, the little Mini makes 100kW and a useful 220Nm of torque while using just 4.7L/100km of fuel.

The new Cooper D continues the three-cylinder theme with a 1.5-litre motor that uses just 3.7L/100km to produce 85kW and 270Nm, while the range-topping Cooper S hot hatch hatch is the performance hero with 141kW and 280Nm from its new 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine.

Those models are set to be joined by a host of others such as performance-oriented John Cooper Works and GP editions, along with more practical five-door hatch and Clubman wagon versions.